Chronology of Canadian Military History Canadian Military History, Colonial Period, New France, First Peoples, Seven Years War, French Indian War Canadian Military History, British North America, American Invasion, War of 1812, Dominion of Canada, Riel Rebellion, South African War Canadian Military History, World War 1 History, 1914-1918, Canadian Armed Forces, conscription Canadian Military History, World War 2, 1939-1945, Battle of the Atlantic, conscription, invasion, Dday, Normandy, Germany, axis, allies, Hong Kong, Dieppe 1946-today
Canada within the Empire
NAC/ANC C-18,737
British North America
The War of 1812: Invasion Repelled
The War of 1812: Canada Saved
Fortifying Canada
Rebellions in the Canadas
The Fenian Raids
Confederation and Expansion
Creating a Standing Army
Developing the Canadian Nation
The Northwest Campaign
Canada and Imperialism
The South African War
Military Reform

THE WAR OF 1812

1812-1813: Invasion Repelled

In 1812, the United States invaded Canada.

In June 1812, the United States declared war on Britain, already locked in combat with Napoleon’s France. The resulting War of 1812 was fought largely on Canadian territory, especially along the Niagara frontier.

The Americans were superior in numbers but badly organized. First Peoples, including a Shawnee contingent led by Tecumseh, and Canadian militia units provided invaluable support to Canada’s garrison of professional soldiers. In October 1812, Sir Isaac Brock, commander-in- chief of Upper Canada, was killed defeating a major American invasion attempt at Queenston Heights, on the Niagara River. Much skirmishing and raiding occurred throughout the first part of 1813, especially along Lake Ontario and the Niagara frontier.


THE WAR OF 1812: INVASION REPELLED
Courtesy/Courtoisie Weir Foundation

War of 1812, First Peoples, Tecumseh
Canadian War Museum
1 Vimy Place
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0M8
1-800-555-5621